As a healer and medicine woman, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the natural rhythms of the world. And I blame capitalism for taking us out of our natural elements, disrupting our bodies. I'll never forgive them for, I kid- I joke; but no really. Over time, I’ve come to realize that the standard calendar year—starting in January and ending in December—doesn’t align with how my body and spirit naturally flow. For me, transitioning to a year that begins with Aries season in the spring and ends with Pisces season in late winter feels more aligned, both physically and spiritually. Here’s why.
The wisdom of winter: Rest, Reflect, Recharge
Winter in Chicago is the coldest and darkest time of the year, a season of hibernation not just for animals but for us too. Nothing grows in the winter; the earth rests and gathers energy for the spring. So why do we pressure ourselves to start fresh in January, right in the heart of winter? It’s okay to not feel motivated when your body naturally wants to slow down. This season is ideal for planning, dreaming, and staying warm—a time to nurture the seeds of new ideas that will eventually bloom in the spring.
Each year around this time, everyone seems to be posting their resolutions and setting high expectations for January 1st. I’m here to remind you: YOU DON’T NEED TO PARTICIPATE! Listen to your body, beloved. What works for others may not work for you. If beginning your year in January feels right for you, that’s wonderful. But this post isn’t for those folks—it’s for those who need inspiration to embrace a year that begins on March 21st.
Pisces Season: A sacred ending
Pisces season, the final sign of the zodiac, carries the energy of endings and spiritual reflection. It’s a time to release what no longer serves us, to look back on the year, and honor its lessons. Pisces invites us to surrender and trust in the cycles of life, much like the final stretch of winter prepares us for the rebirth of spring. It’s a season of emotional depth and intuition—a perfect close to the energetic year.
As a Pisces moon, this season holds a special place in my heart. Each water season carries a cleansing energy, a season of cups. Pisces, as the ending of the zodiac calendar, makes sense in its call to release heavy emotions and wash away what we’ve held onto in our bodies for the past 12 months. It allows us to start anew, with the fire of Aries season reigniting our souls.
This cyclical rhythm—starting with the fiery drive of Aries and culminating in Pisces' emotional release—feels deeply aligned with the body’s natural processes. We burn with passion, shed what didn’t serve us, and make room for growth. Repeat. This cycle resonates deeply, building that inner fire to persevere through another year.
Aries Season: The true beginning
In contrast, Aries season bursts forth like the first crocus pushing through the snow. Aries is ruled by Mars, the planet of action and new beginnings. It aligns with the spring equinox, when day and night are equal, marking a time of balance and renewal. Everything about this season screams vitality and fresh starts. The earth wakes up, flowers bloom, and life begins again. This is when I feel the spark to set intentions, take action, and truly embody the energy of a new year. Season of the wands.
So what's the real tea?
As I researched this topic to deepen my understanding, I found myself searching for the "white man" who played a role in this massive shift. I wanted to blame a non-person of color, perhaps because white men are often held responsible for many of today's issues. And as it turns out, I was right. The shift from the new year beginning in March to January is rooted in historical, political, and cultural changes tied to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar. Originally, the Roman calendar began in March, coinciding with the spring equinox, a time of renewal and growth. It consisted of 10 months, with March (Martius) as the first. January (Januarius) and February (Februarius) were added around 713 BCE by King Numa Pompilius. Julius Caesar later reformed the calendar to align more closely with the solar year, introducing January 1st as the start of the new year in 45 BCE to honor Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions. This change also aligned administrative and civic duties with the new calendar. In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII further reformed the calendar to correct inaccuracies in the Julian system, officially marking January 1 as New Year’s Day. Over time, this standard was adopted by other nations for practical reasons in global trade, communication, and governance. "Ha! See there!"
I had to search deeply because I refuse to believe that my African ancestors weren’t in tune with their own time before Europeans disrupted our natural rhythms. And in my search, I learned a lot and wanted to share this knowledge with others, especially those who may not know.
Africa, as the cradle of humanity and home to some of the earliest civilizations, had its own systems of timekeeping long before the Roman calendar. These calendars were deeply tied to nature's rhythms, agricultural cycles, and spiritual beliefs. The Roman calendar became dominant later, primarily due to the expansion of the Roman Empire, which imposed its systems on the territories it conquered.
One of the oldest known calendars, the Egyptian calendar, was developed around 3000 BCE. It was solar-based, with 12 months of 30 days each, plus five additional days at the end of the year, reflecting the annual flooding of the Nile—essential for agriculture. This calendar influenced later systems, including the Julian and Gregorian calendars.
The Ethiopian calendar, still in use today, is based on the ancient Coptic calendar. It consists of 13 months—12 months of 30 days each and one month of 5 or 6 days. It remains about seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar, reflecting a different reckoning of the birth of Christ.
The Igbo people of Nigeria used a lunar calendar with four market days, structuring social and economic life. The Akan people of Ghana developed a calendar system based on a 42-day cycle. These calendars were highly localized, tailored to the needs of their societies, and reflected Africa's deep understanding of astronomy and nature.
The expansion of the Roman Empire spread its calendar throughout Europe, parts of the Middle East, and North Africa, leading to its widespread adoption. It's almost like rewriting time, doesn't it sound familiar?
Africa’s traditional systems of timekeeping were often disrupted or replaced during European colonization, with European powers imposing the Gregorian calendar as part of their control over administration, religion, and culture.
The dominance of the Roman calendar overshadowed Africa’s sophisticated timekeeping systems, much like how African contributions to science and civilization have often been minimized or ignored.
The adoption of the Roman calendar was more about power dynamics than inherent superiority. The Roman Empire, followed by European colonial powers, established global dominance that shaped cultural norms, including timekeeping.
Revisiting African calendars is about reclaiming cultural identity and acknowledging the ingenuity of Africa's ancient civilizations. While the Gregorian calendar serves practical purposes for global synchronization, incorporating African timekeeping systems into cultural or spiritual practices can foster a deeper connection to heritage and natural cycles.
Why should we revert to the original calendar?
I've noticed more than ever how disconnected we are from our spiritual selves, regardless of our practices. Many people are completely out of practice. As a result, more individuals are feeling out of touch with themselves and those around them. Since the pandemic, mental health issues have surged, with more people seeking therapy and an increase in the prescription of psychotropic drugs. I feel for my people. Having personally been prescribed Zoloft and taking it for just short period of time, I understand the impact it can have on one's soul and brain. I’m not shaming those who need a little help, but I do want to highlight an elephant in the room: too often, we’re altering ourselves and our natural rhythms to fit into a "new" world that wasn’t designed for survival. It was created to be codependent. Now, more than ever, there’s a call to reconnect with ourselves on a deeper, more intimate level and to be honest with ourselves. Nature can be a powerful medicine for that, but if we’re out of alignment with nature and its natural calendar, it often feels like we’re playing catch-up when, in reality, we just need to slow down.
As a Virgo, I love a list, so I decided to share some benefits for those of us wanting to return to celebrating the ancient calendar.
Advocating for a New Year commencing in March presents several compelling arguments:
Alignment with Natural Cycles: March heralds the onset of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, symbolizing renewal and growth. Aligning the New Year with this season resonates with natural rhythms, fostering a sense of rejuvenation.
Enhanced Motivation and Productivity: The increased daylight and warmer temperatures of spring can boost energy levels and motivation, potentially leading to more effective goal-setting and achievement.
Historical and Cultural Resonance: Many ancient cultures celebrated the New Year in spring, reflecting agricultural cycles and the rebirth of nature. Reverting to a March New Year could honor these traditions and provide a deeper cultural connection.
Psychological Well-being: Starting the year during a period associated with growth and renewal may positively impact mental health, offering a more optimistic and invigorating beginning compared to the cold, dark days of January.
Ultimately, the shift to a January 1st New Year was driven by the need for uniformity and accuracy in timekeeping. However, exploring the benefits of a March New Year reveals meaningful connections to natural cycles and cultural traditions, offering an opportunity for reflection on how we mark the passage of time.
Honoring the New Year Through Rituals
To fully align with the natural cycle, I’ve created some ritual ideas to honor the end of the year, no matter which season you choose to celebrate—all of these apply:
Nu Year Baths
At the end of the year, I prepare a cleansing spiritual bath using herbs like pine, hyssop, and rue, along with Florida Water, sea salt, and frankincense. I soak to release old energies and cleanse my aura. This bath is a sacred goodbye to the year's lessons and a way to make space for what’s to come.
House Rituals
Using those same ingredients, I clean and bless my home, inviting fresh energy for the New Year. This might include smudging with sage or palo santo, lighting candles, and placing fresh flowers or greenery around the house. It’s a way to reflect the rebirth happening outside in nature. If all you have access to is Pine-Sol, then baby, get to working those floors! Personally, I love the smell of Pine-Sol and like to add a dash of it to my prepared waters.
Home cooked meals
Ever seen your Granny whipping up black-eyed peas, greens, and cornbread around the New Year? I’m telling you, we all practice Hoodoo—even if folks don’t want to admit it. The tradition of eating black-eyed peas, greens, and cornbread on New Year’s Day is deeply rooted in Southern U.S. culture, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune for the coming year.
This culinary tradition reflects the resilience and resourcefulness of African American communities in the South. By consuming these symbolic foods, families honor their heritage and express hopes for prosperity in the year ahead.
Black-Eyed Peas: Originating from West Africa, black-eyed peas were brought to the Americas by enslaved Africans. In the Southern United States, eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day is thought to bring prosperity in the new year. The peas, since they swell when cooked, symbolize prosperity.
Greens: Typically collard, turnip, or mustard greens, these vegetables are believed to represent money, specifically paper currency, due to their green color. Consuming them is thought to attract financial success in the coming year.
Cornbread: With its golden hue, cornbread symbolizes gold. Serving it alongside black-eyed peas and greens is believed to complete the trio of prosperity, wealth, and financial stability.
Embracing This Shift
Aligning my year with Aries and Pisces has been a transformative experience. It’s taught me to honor my body’s natural rhythms and embrace the wisdom of the seasons. Winter is no longer a time for forced resolutions, but a season of rest and preparation. Spring becomes a celebration of life and possibility.
If you're feeling out of sync with the January-December cycle, I invite you to try this shift. Let yourself hibernate in winter, reflect during Pisces season, and blossom with Aries. Aligning with nature's rhythms may bring the balance and renewal you've been craving.
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